policy_5-20

EOTC SAFETY

PR-5-20

PROCEDURAL DOCUMENT

Effective date: 4 September 2012

Rationale

EOTC assists students in developing the key competencies by extending their learning beyond the classroom.

Guidelines:

Leadership

Teachers
leading trips involving outdoor pursuits activities should have
appropriate training and must have practical experience. A teacher
leading an EOTC trip must have prior knowledge of the area, have a
detailed route and activity plan, have a risk assessment management plan
and procedures for emergency. These must be approved by the Board of
Trustees.

Safety

A
current First Aid qualification must be held by at least one adult
participating in a major school trip. Parents will be informed as soon
as possible if an accident occurs involving their child. If groups are
made and separate activities planned, each group must have a first aid
kit.

Risk Assessment Management

For trips which
involve transporting students and for an overnight or longer stay, a
Risk Assessment Management plan must be completed and approved.

Travel

All
vehicles and drivers must comply with current traffic laws and
regulations. Safety belts will be worn when travelling in cars. Life
jackets will be worn when in small boats. Large boats will have a
Certificate of Survey and skippers will hold a Commercial Launchmaster
Licence.

Supervision

The
Board of Trustees holds the ultimate responsibility and must ensure that
a teacher undertaking an activity is competent to do so. The
teacher(s) leading an activity are at all time responsible for the
students in their care. Teachers must maintain standards of personal
conduct commensurate with the expectation of the Board of Trustees and
in keeping with the term “in loco parentis”. No alcohol will be
consumed on school trips.

Adult:
student ratios will vary according to the activity. For field
activities, camps and outdoor pursuits, a minimum of 1 adult to 8
children is required. For hazardous activities, including the use of
small boats a ratio of 1 adult to 4 children is required. Adults
participating as supervisors must be briefed in risk management and
emergency procedures.

Where a commercial
operator or a tutor from an outside organisation is used, instructor
competence and safety standards must be assessed. Requirements laid
down by the safety council, government department or sporting body for
the activity can be consulted. The teacher remains legally responsible
for the students.

Parental Permission

Parents must be informed in writing 1-2 weeks before an outing.

Parents have the right to withdraw a child from the EOTC programme.

Trips Requiring Transport - Parents will be notified where transport is
being used. A permission slip is required. Some cost may be involved.
Teachers may, after consultation with the Principal and parents, refuse
to take a student who may endanger themselves or other children.

Provision will be made at school for students not taking part.

For all overnight or longer trips, the school will require a medical and health consent form for each student.

The Principal and the Chairperson of the BOT must sight a Risk Management sheet prior to any major trip.

All
the parents going on major school trips (overnight or longer) will be
given a copy of this EOTC Safety Procedural Document (PR-5-28) and a
copy of the Transport Procedural Document (PR-5-26).

Further Guidelines

Local venues - Students may participate in local EOTC outings (not using
vehicles) without the written permission of parents. A registered
teacher leading a local excursion must notify the school office of
departure time, intended route and time of return. Teachers must fill
out the check in form in the office foyer noting departure time.

This procedural statement will be reviewed in conjunction with PR-2-7.